Huwebes, Disyembre 29, 2016

“This is our way of expressing our gratitude to the people who help us make Christmas happen in our own homes – be it the grocery clerk who makes sure the shelves are well-stocked, or the gift-wrapping teams who work until midnight at department stores, or the toll booth operator who works overtime just so everyone can come home in time for Christmas. To all of you, thank you!”~Stephan Czypionka, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Marketing.

The Coca-Cola float for the Metro Manila Film Fest parade gives tribute to the countless of Tagahatid Pasko who tirelessly work to bring holiday cheer to everyone.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, several Tagahatid Pasko were surprised by Christmas carolers and associates with ice-cold bottles of Coca-Cola at their workplaces. Over 15,000 Santa packs filled with food items and special gifts greeted the unsung heroes of Christmas who were still in their workplaces.

This year, Coca-Cola paid tribute to people more popularly known as “Tagahatid Pasko”, highlighting how their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice has made it possible for everyone to have the merriest celebrations this season. All throughout December, the Company gave gifts and surprises to over 15,000 Tagahatid Pasko around the country as their way of thanking the various unsung heroes of Christmas who tirelessly work to bring a merry season for everyone else.

“Pag Christmas season, napakarami po talagang nagpapagift-wrap. Nakakalungkot lang isipin na hindi ko manlang naaasikaso yung mga regalo para sa family ko dahil busy ako sa pagbabalot ng mga regalo ng ibang tao,” ~Carla Dominique Diego, One of the Tagahatid Pasko who works in the gift-wrapping section of a leading department store. Since the onset of the Christmas season, she has been working longer hours in order to accommodate all the customers.

The holiday season is often marked with its trademark rush – people hustling through their shopping lists trying to complete it before Christmas Eve and passengers crowding bus stations, airports, and other terminals to get home in time for noche buena. But it’s not the same for everyone, as every Christmas season, thousands of people work tirelessly just to make sure that everyone else can celebrate and feel the yuletide spirit.

Store clerks at partner convenience stores of Coca-Cola were surprised with holiday treats during Christmas Eve.

“May mga guests ako na bumabalik-balik, at naiisip ko, ang saya nila, sana ganyan din nararanasan ko ngayon. Paskong-pasko, di ko manlang nakakasama ang pamilya ko,”~Jerico Gonzales, who works the night-shift at a restaurant, says that the holiday rush makes its more challenging for them. Staff are also one of those who tirelessly work overtime during the Christmas season to allow others to celebrate the festivities with their loved-ones and friends.

24-year-old Red Cross volunteer and Tagahatid Pasko Brenda Paule recalls joining her team in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda to bring the spirit of Christmas to typhoon survivors and other relief workers.

Partner agencies and associates of Coca-Cola Philippines worked overtime to bring holiday cheer among the unsung heroes of Christmas, otherwise known as Tagahatid Pasko.

“Sharing the joy of Christmas is more than gifts; it’s about being there for others. There is no joy like seeing the smile on the face of others because of something that you have done. And that for me is the priceless reward of what we do.”~Brenda Paule

For the past four years, Paule has spent her noche buena in the streets, ready to respond to any untoward incident that may arise.

The Coca-Cola Christmas campaign did not stop with giving out Santa sacks, celebrities also joined the celebration by being this year's Tagahatid Pasko during the Metro Manila Film Festival 2016 Parade by giving out ice-cold bottles of Coca-Cola. While a Christmas Concert, top-billed by the country’s best musicians and most popular love-teams, together with Coca-Cola Ambassadors James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Enchong Dee, Ylona Garcia and Bailey May, serenaded and performed for over 300 unsung heroes of Christmas from partner companies earlier this month.

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and more than 3,800 beverage choices. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our company’s portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands, 18 of which are available in reduced-, low- or no-calorie options. Our billion-dollar brands include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Del Valle, Georgia and Gold Peak. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, we are the No. 1 provider of both sparkling and still beverages. More than 1.9 billion servings of our beverages are enjoyed by consumers in more than 200 countries each day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.

“My latest collection is inspired by events and personalities from the last presidential elections leading to the first 100 days of President Duterte. It is about the here and now and the mystery and suspense that comes with it. We can only guess what's going to happen tomorrow in ‘Digongland. As an artist and an observer, my job is to notice things. ‘Digongland’ is where we are now and where we will be for the next six years. I'm just adding what I notice to the audio-visual pollution. This show is quite different from the first ‘High Fructose Corn Syrup’ as it reflects many questions and uncertainties from a lot of sectors of society and what's in store for the country. I work with oil paint sticks, oil pastel, acrylic paint, graphite pencils and pretty much any stuff I can get my hands on when I'm working. I work intuitively, often without sketching, based on ideas I collect in my head. I don't use pencils. Often it's straight into paint or ink. I like the no-backing-out feel to capture my muse. I like the randomness and the way the images work it's way into the final piece. It creates a lot of mood and tension."~Hayden Sison

Avante-garde artist Hayden Sison will unveil his latest collection of masterpieces inspired by the leading political figures in the country today at an exhibit entitled “Adventures in Digongland (More High Fructose Corn Syrup)" to be held at the SM Art Center in Megamall from January 3 to 14, 2017.

Hayden Sison, who has been vocal about his admiration of President Duterte even prior to the election.

For this fast-rising visual artist, his recent exhibit offers “art that is created from within but inspired by what is without.“ He experiments with various media to bring out a “sense of fun, play and freedom” while trying to derive meaning from the characters in the frontline of governance.

Sison is known for art that reflects dark humor, satire or double meanings. However, this is the first time his artistic mischief will focus on politics or political commentary.

“Adventures in Digongland (More High Fructose Corn Syrup)" will have a private and exclusive artist’s reception for friends of the artist, collectors, patrons and the media on January 7, 5pm. For those interested to attend, kindly contact the artist at 0917 700 8251 to be included in the guest list.

Some of the artworks to be showcased in the exhibit will feature his interpretations of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Lunes, Disyembre 26, 2016

Today’s generation of technology-oriented individuals will spare no expense to go and achieve their dreams in the swiftest of manners. And they will even do it in style.

Go chic and stylish this holiday season as global tech titan Acer unleashes its latest holiday promo for people who love to #GoSwift and in style and go beyond trends. Acer offers cool freebies every time you buy your favorite Acer laptop, 2-in-1, All-in-One, or projector until December 31, 2016.

For the stylish set, imagine having the best laptop around and wearing a good-looking watch at that while inside your favorite coffee shop and you’ll surely grab attention. The smart Acer Liquid Leap Active Smartwatch is just for you, not just to keep you abreast of time but also as an attractive personal digital companion. Its 1-inch OLED (128 x 32) touchscreen display is a joy to look at, and is perfectly compatible with Android 4.4 systems and above, iOS 7 and iOS 8 and Windows 8.1. It is IPX4 waterproof certified and a full charge can last you 5-7 days. Just buy any Acer laptop with i3 processors or Acer 2-in-1 devices and this nifty gadget worth P850 is yours for free.

The Tomiko DigiBox is a cool addition to your home entertainment system and when watching your favorite TV shows and movies in superb digital format. And pairing this with an Acer projector or desktop makes it a truly excellent multimedia combination. The Tomiko DigiBox supports 1080P high-definition video, comes with a Multimedia Playback function (MPEG 1/2/3/4, MKV, MOV, JPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG) and multiple OSD language, with Auto and Manual Search Functions and powerful program edit capabilities. Best of all, you can get this home entertainment buddy worth P1,200 absolutely free when you buy Acer projectors or Acer All-in-One desktops with i3, i5 or i7 processors inside.

For those who want uninterrupted power and not lose their productivity at work and/or at play, just buy Acer desktops with i3, i5 or i7 processors or Acer Veriton desktops with i3 and i5 processors and get the Emerson UPS worth P1,400 for free. The Emerson UPS guarantees constant and non-stop power during outages for your desktop with high reliability, protection from power surges and overloads and best of all, the Emerson UPS comes in a compact and lightweight form factor. From hereon, no more worries about losing important work in your Acer desktop just because the electricity went out.

Or if you want a cool, light and groovy bag to carry your laptop around safely and securely, just buy qualified Acer laptops (Celeron and Pentium-powered) and you can get the Acer laptop bag worth P300 for free. You’ll get peace of mind knowing that your precious Acer laptop is with you all the time inside your green-and-black Acer laptop bag that you can carry anywhere.

To get the Acer Liquid Leap Active Smartwatch, Emerson UPS, Tomiko DigiBox, or Acer laptop bag, simply buy the qualified Acer products from any Acer participating stores and fill out all necessary information in the Promo Claim Form. Present this together with the Official Receipt, cut-out of Box Serial Number, plus two (2) valid IDs at any authorized Acer redemption area.

When claiming via email, simply submit a clear scanned copy of the Promo Claim Form, Original Receipt, Cut-out of Box Serial Number and two (2) valid ID cards to aphi.promos@acer.com. Follow up on your claim via email through (02) 815-3388 local 100.

The Filipino Bloggers Network (FBN), one of the most active bloggers group in the country, will hold its annual Christmas Get-Together at St. Nicholas Catering and Restaurant in Mandaluyong City on December 28, 2016.

FBN currently has more than 1,800 blogger members and continue to expand as it provides a venue for Filipino bloggers to interact with other members from different part of the Philippines. Moderating the discussions and posting opportunities from different brands for the group are co-admins Divine RC and Richard Mamuyac.

This year, joining the get-together are the blogger-members of Metrobuzz organized by Lariza Garcia.

Filipino Bloggers Network and Metrobuzz would like to thank the following generous sponsors:

Acer PH - Founded in 1976 with a mission to break the barriers between people and technology by offering innovative and leading technology products, empowering people to achieve their goals. Follow them on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AcerPH/.

AMPR Publicity and Communications, Inc. (AMPR) - A full service public relations and marketing services company that caters to various industries and companies of diverse sizes. For more information about AMPR Publicity and Communications, Inc.’s expertise and services, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AMPRInc or contact them through (02) 706-1971 and via email at ampr.consultancy@gmail.com.

Goodah!!! - The first ever, all-native food chain in the country and is famous for introducing the now ubiquitous “Tapsilog” to the Filipino vocabulary. Contact (02) 9667582 for orders and inquiries or visit their website at www.goodah.com.ph.

Gardenia - Offers a wide array of superior bakery products including white, wheat and health breads, flavored loaves, pandesal and snack items like snack cakes, muffins and toasts. Gardenia breads are known for their good taste, freshness, softness, oven-baked aroma and nutritive value. Follow them on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gardeniaph/.

IMComms Mavens - IMComms Mavens is a full service marketing communications agency that integrates traditional and current marketing strategies to be able to provide Clients a strategic communications plan. We take pride in being able to combine the learnings from the past and strengthen them with the new ideas of today to create a campaign that works and resonates to the Client’s public. Follow them on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/imcmavens/for inquiries.

Aster DM Healthcare-part of the largest growing network across the Middle East and India, is now in the Philippines. Ready to welcome you 24/7 and spread its mission of treating patients well, Aster’s Clinic located in St. Francis Square in Mandaluyong and will soon to open new clinics this 2017.

UNO Premier - A dynamic marketing company that derived its innovative business model from a very long history and foundation of leadership, management and entrepreneurial vision. UNO Premier’s mother company, UNO, started rising 10 years ago and blossomed throughout the network marketing industry like rapid fire. It became a network marketing sensation and has created over a thousand Philippine millionaires in less than a decade's time and has expanded in over 100 offices across the country. From the foundation of UNO comes the birth of UNO Premier. UNO Premier is specifically designed to engage the International Market and the like-minded middle class professionals as well as business owners in the micro, small and medium scale enterprises. These are the passionate individuals who are constantly exploring means and opportunities to increase their sources of income. UNO Premier is poised as the next big International giant to create the next wave of millionaires. For more information, visit the website at www.unopremier.com. Like/follow their social media accounts: Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/UNOPremierOfficialSite/; Instagram: @unopremierofficial and on Twitter: @UNOPremier_PH

Dearberry Philippines - The brand essence of dearberry is “affordable high quality cosmetics made with ingredients from nature ”. Dearberry believes the simple truth, “healthy skin is most beautiful” and sticks to the basics, “firstly keep skin healthy, then optimally solve target issues”. Their products are manufactured by such top-tier factories like COSMAX and WINNOVA to achieve the high quality standards of our products. COSMAX is the main & most important manufacturer of L’OREAL group and other world famous branded cosmetics. WINNOVA is the main & most important manufacturer of Korean branded cosmetics like TONYMOLY & THEFACESHOP. Follow DearberryPH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dearberry.ph/ or visit their website - http://www.dearberryphilippines.com/ for updates and promos.

JJEMM Transient House - A fully furnished apartment unit located in Balanga City, Bataan. If you’re planning on visiting the beautiful province of Bataan to enjoy scenic views and awesome tourist spots, JJEMM Transient House is here to welcome and provide accommodation for your stay. This is best for couples, backpackers, budget travellers, families and group travellers. Situated in a subdivision in Balanga City,Bataan and 5-7 minutes away from public market. Learn more by following them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/jjemmtransienthouse/. Contact them at email address: jjemmtransienthouse@gmail.com and mobile number: 0998-882-8300.

Mondelez - Maker of some of the best-known snacks brands around the globe. Their 15 global Power Brands in biscuits, chocolate and gum & candy are expected to drive 70 percent of company’s growth going forward:

Oppo Philippines - A global electronics and technology service provider that provides customers with the latest and most exquisite electronic devices and mobile internet service in over 20 countries such as the United States, China, Australia and many other countries in Europe, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Follow them on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/ for promos and updates.

Other BRAND SPONSORS:

Novuhair - Like the common factors that spawn hair loss, finding the right solution to your hair woes is one confusing process that could only worsen the trouble. Before, most of the products available in the market offer empty promises, temporary and even expensive solutions to address the problem of hair loss. Now, nature has provided a safe and effective solution, NOVUHAIR® – NATURE’S ANSWER TO HAIR LOSS! Like Novuhair on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NovuhairOfficial/.

Unilab - The biggest pharmaceutical company in the Philippines, with a market share of more than 20 percent which it has consistently maintained for more than three decades. Its portfolio includes some of the biggest prescription, consumer healthcare and personal care brands in the country. Follow Unilab on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Unilab/

Havas PR - The first full-service media agency providing end-to-end solutions in the Philippines. It does not only offer the most complete and cohesive set of media services in the Philippines, it also aspires to provide clients work that is best in class in all the media channels on offer. Follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HavasMediaOrtega/ for inquiries.

M2Comms- As a PR agency, M2.0 understands that perfection doesn't exist – but greatness does. Their team won’t waste your time by coming up with perfect plans that will be easily derailed by circumstance. For them, It's better to execute now with a good plan and get immediate feedback. If the results are not good, they’re ready to own up to our mistakes and revise the plan. And if the results are good, they'll improve the plan until the clients achieve greatness. Visit their website - http://www.m2comms.com/ for inquiries.

Linggo, Disyembre 25, 2016

“Boodle Fight sa Bilao” and “Shrimp Wednesday” Only at St. Nicholas Catering and Restaurant

There are many ways to bond with families and friends and one of those is eating together, enjoying the best food prepared and served with love.

This holiday season, why not eat with your family in the most exciting way - a boodle fight. When it comes to boodle fight, the place to be is at St. Nicholas Catering and Restaurant. It’s a great thing that they are on sale!

For a special price of Php999.00, the Boodle Fight sa Bilao Set is indeed very affordable compared to other restaurants having the same idea. Restaurant diners have the option to choose from the of other Boodle Fight variants that the restaurant offers like from Palawan, Boracay, to Batangas for the same price of Php 999.00.

BEST SELLER: The Hot and Juicy Shrimps

The restaurant's Hot and Juicy Shrimps are available in the following flavors/variants: regular, spicy, mild, sweet, and medium. The shrimps were sourced from Roxas City,known as the seafood capital of the Philippines. So it is guaranteed fresh!

Trivia: Did you know that Chef Nick personally came up with its signature sauce. And once you tasted it, mapapa extra-rice ka talaga!

Best Deal: Shrimp Wednesday

Wednesdays is a special day for shrimp lovers and regular customers at St. Nicholas Catering and Restaurant for its called "Shrimp Wednesday" A Good Deal you shouldn’t missed. Regular customers of St. Nicholas have been returning every week for the 50% off promo. YES 50% OFF. From the regular price of Php399.00, marking down to only Php199.00 with the very same quality of Hot and Juicy Shrimps is basically a promo offer to grab!

He owns and managed and still cooks for St. Nicholas Catering and the restaurant. St. Nicholas Catering started back in 2003 while the Restaurant is his newest baby that is already in its third year serving sumptuous Filipino dishes in Mandaluyong. We all know that fast-food chains were almost everywhere, but St. Nicholas has its own charm. Having the intimate ambiance of the restaurant, diners visit at the odd hours of the day like brunch or late afternoon for early lunch or merienda, respectively. The busiest hours, of course, are lunch and dinner times. The usual guests are those who prefer clean and delicious home-cooked food over random finds at eateries. *plus Chef Nick is charming too.

Sabado, Disyembre 24, 2016

It was my first time to ever watch a live show in Araneta Coliseum and it was also my first time to watch a Live Circus Show and my first time to really be amazed with the excellent performances and very talented entertaining cast. The best part of the show was the host - a mime who has plenty of tricks and laughs up his sleeves. The performers were constantly encouraging the audience to applaud and clap along with the music...

In a short hour its as if i went to different countries in Asia and Europe showcasing different performances of different countries.

Performances from Asian to UK

Tomorrow is Christmas Day (December 25, 2016) and most families do go out with their kids in malls, park and watch movies... after of course going to their Ninong and Ninang for their gifts and Pamasko. One good way to celebrate Christmas for a change is to take the whole family in a Live Circus show such as the Le Grand Cirque Circus in Araneta Coliseum.

No doubt any age from a kid to adult and seniors will surely enjoy the show... for the whole family to enjoy.

The Duo stunt is one of my favorite aside form the Areal performance by a lady, because balancing will always be hard and being up there with just a clothe is really an amazing performances for me.

Here are some of the scenes after the event and i was privileged enough to take selfies with the performers and share a glimpse of smile with each and everyone... PS everyone was accommodating with a smile ^_^

The Mime Host

The Duo Stunts

Had also the chance to bump and take selfie with Mr. Ricky Lo

See you all and lets have an awesome Christmas with the whole family! ^_^

Biyernes, Disyembre 23, 2016

Situated in the 2nd floor of Manila Ocean Park complex in Luneta White Moon Bar by Hotel H2O had opened for a new spot to chill out in the Metro. After a tiring week at work why not dine, drink and chill out with your officemates, friends and or love one in one of the most romantic area today and enjoy the sunset.

"Work, Pollution and traffic are the realities urban professionals face daily. It pays that after a long day of hard work, you look forward to a place where you can destress and enjoy simple pleasures - delightful nature, good food, good drinks."~Resty Vidad, Food and Beverage Manager

As a new sanctuary, White Moon Bar by Hotel H2O sits directly on top of Manila bay, and is a front row seat to one of the world's most beautiful views of the setting sun, the boats, ships and the sea. The fresh breeze compliments this picture perfect moment. As the day draws to a close, from a fiery red orange to black, the night sky showcases the moon and the stars, while you can lounge in cabanas and daybeds. In such a relaxing ambiance, all guest can enjoy the carefully selected food and beverage items while listening to the Balearic beats of Cafe Del Mar, Ibiza and Buddha Bar chill-out music mixed by their inhouse DJ.

White Moon BAr can easily accommodate 80 people, with its attractive, modern and spacious design. It is located right next to the Hotel's Makan-Makan Asian Food Village. It can also serve as a cozy area for an after dinner night cap.

With its specialty drinks and cocktails, varities of beer, wine, whiskey, rum, vodka, brandy and tequila are also featred. A special bar fare line up which includes White Moon Bar Supreme Pizza, Chicken Wings, Calamari Rings, Dimsum choices, and healthy options are available for your enjoyment. In addition, signature dishes like Garlic Crispy Pata and Sizzling Mixed Seafood with Garlic and Herbs are prepared daily by the Bar's Head Chef, Aurelio Delos Reyes, to entice you.

White Moon Bar by Hotel H2O is open daily, from 4PM to 2AM, Friday to Saturday; and 4PM to 12MN, Sunday to Thursday. The Bar is also available for private events. For reservations and inquiries, call 09175854835 or 23861000, email r.vidad@hotelh2o.com.